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Rudbeckia triloba

Behind The Scenes

My name is Cath and I am 'the boss' although that is sometimes debatable! Cath's Garden Plants was set up in 1999 in a small way when we attended two Flower Shows - Gateshead and Shrewsbury - just to dip our toes in the water of the retail sector. With a Gold medal awarded for our first display at Gateshead we were on our way and things grew 'just like Topsy'. The nursery has been open to visitors in the walled garden at Heaves since Good Friday 2003 although initially we were only open 4 days a week.
I spend most of my time making sure that the sales area is tidy and plants kept clean and weed free as well as serving and advising customers both in the nursery and at the shows. I do like to work on the growing and propagating of plants whenever possible. We are lucky to be able to work in such a lovely environment listening to the birds sing but it isn't quite so pleasant during the colder, wetter weather. I am also responsible for the marketing and website and so am not always at the nursery every day.

Bob, my husband, is the 'man who knows' as he has over 50 years of knowledge and experience of working with a wide range of plants and also designing and landscaping gardens. He impressed some colleagues recently whilst we visited Hampton Court Flower Show when he stepped in to help at a busy time and was able to give the customers lots of advice about water plants. Bob is responsible for the design of all our displays at the Flower Shows creating larger and more innovative exhibits every time.

Andrew also has horticultural training and is now managing the nursery. Andrew spends all his time at the nursery. He is responsible for keeping the sales area filled up and clean and tidy. He is also happy to advise customers whether they are new to gardening or more experienced.

We also have some excellent part-time staff. Jen, who works at the nursery and also loves to help at the shows. Rachel, still at school, who works weekends and holidays in the nursery and at the shows. Bob and I are very grateful that everyone is happy to work as part of our team as we would struggle to fit in everything without their help and hard work.